ELCA presiding bishop addresses concerns about COVID-19

In 1527 the plague returned to Wittenberg, Germany. Two hundred
years earlier the plague had swept across Europe killing up to
40% of the population. Understandably, people were anxious and
wondered what a safe and faithful response might be. In answer to
this, Martin Luther wrote "Whether One May Flee From a Deadly
Plague." In it, he emphasized the duty to care for the neighbor,
the responsibility of government to protect and provide services
to its citizens, a caution about recklessness, and the importance
of science, medicine and common sense.

To provide care for the neighbor, Luther recommended that
pastors, those in public office, doctors and public servants
should remain in the city. Luther himself remained in Wittenberg
to care for his people. He recommended that public hospitals be
built to accommodate those with the plague. He condemned those
who took unnecessary risks that put themselves and others in
danger of contagion. Luther also encouraged the use of reason and
medicine, writing, "God has created medicines and has provided us
with intelligence to guard and take care of the body. … Use
medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard,
and street; shun persons and places wherever your neighbor does
not need your presence" ("Whether One May Flee From a Deadly
Plague," 1527).

We are living in the time of the coronavirus. We are also living
in the time of social media and constant, relentless news
coverage. Many of our people have the same concerns as those in
Luther's day. Many of our people are anxious. Luther's counsel,
based on Scripture, is still sound. Respect the disease. Do not
take unnecessary risks. Provide for the spiritual and physical
needs of the neighbor. Make use of medical aid. Care for one
another, especially the most vulnerable.

The churchwide organization recommends the following for
churchwide staff: Wash your hands, stay home when you are sick,
wear a mask if you have symptoms, consult your medical provider.
Bishops and pastors will provide guidelines for worship and
church gatherings.

Luther also reminded his people and us that we should trust God's
faithfulness and promises, particularly the promise eternal life.
Paul writes: "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we
die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we
are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8).